Neil Patrick Harris News: Actor to Host New Variety Show on NBC
Neil Patrick Harris has proven that he is a man of many talents. From playing a teen doctor and a ladies man on TV, to portraying a transgendered rocker on Broadway, to hosting the Tonys and the Emmy Awards, the actor is about to take on another role as he gears up to host a new variety show on NBC.
According to Vulture, Harris will be hosting the U.S. version of the British variety show "Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway." NBC confirmed this on Monday.
The website reports that there will be ten installments of the series, each an hour long, and all of the episodes will be filmed in front of a live audience. The show will reportedly feature comedy sketches, musical numbers and mini game shows, as well as hidden camera pranks on celebrities.
"As I watched the show, I couldn't stop smiling. Now that I've seen many seasons, my face hurts," Harris said in a statement. "It's a game changer. Nothing like this has been done before, and its unique structure fits right into my random skill set. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and have some fun!"
Vulture reports that many broadcast networks have actively bid for the rights to land the series before NBC won it.
"All of us here at NBC have been dying to work with Neil, as we've watched him brilliantly host the Tonys and Emmys. This series will suit his extraordinary talents perfectly. He is a versatile and thrilling talent for us to welcome into the NBC family," Paul Telegdy, NBC Entertainment's President of Alternative and Late Night Programming, said in a statement.
Harris was recently tapped to host next year's Oscars ceremony. He can also be seen on the big screen in "Gone Girl." No premiere date has been announced for the variety show as of the moment.
